24th January, 2014
The NSW Council of Churches has welcomed moves by the State Government to crackdown on alcohol and drug-related violence.
A raft of new measures announced by Premier Barry O’Farrell on Tuesday includes lock-out times for pubs and clubs in inner Sydney and mandatory minimum sentences for alcohol or drug-fuelled offences. The Premier has said the new sentencing laws could be in place by 1st February with other new rules in place by the end of April.
Rev Dr Ross Clifford, president of the NSW Council of Churches, said the measures are part of the solution.
“People in this State are sick and tired of lame duck excuses for abusive behaviour caused by alcohol consumption," he said earlier this week. "It”s time to put in place significant measures to curb alcohol abuse."
Dr Clifford said church leaders across NSW supported the new measures.
“Strict bail and parole conditions for serious offenders, such as bans on entering licensed premises and a requirement of zero alcohol consumption, may also help change the binge drinking culture and reduce the level of alcohol-related violence."
He added that the council also wanted to see measures such as lock-out times extended across the state.
The council has also previously called on the government to consider restricting the advertising of alcohol and raising the legal drinking age.
– DAVID ADAMS